From its cover: Warning: Unsuitable for small people. Illustrated by Quentin Blake. Mary, Mary, quite contrary How does your garden grow? 'I live with my brat in a high-rise flat so how in the word would I know?'

'After the irresistible success of Revolting Rhymes, a collection for older children, and almost certainly adults as well... There is no end to the Dahl invention, and this will join all the other cherised favourites. Quentin Blake is his perfect illustrator.' - Books

Fairy tales (like: Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, Hansel and Gretel, The Emperor's New Clothes etc.) and some other stories in rhymes.

Update: 2010.02.13. After reading Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl, accidentally I run into this book, and I couldn't leave it in the shop ... I had to buy and read :D. Firstly because of the writer himself, secondly the weird Revolting Rhymes, and this book was written on the basis of that. Well, it is really really funny and comical. :D

I've read all the stories, some of them twice. I read some to friends and we had great time! They're hilarious. I especially like some of the characters (e.g. Jock MacFaddin or the rat) and the rhymes.

At the moment I am reading "Like Life" by Lorrie Moore, a bookring from "lucy-lemon". I hope to start with "Rhyme Stew" next weekend so that the book will travel as soon as possible to the next participant of the ray.

It's here! :) Thank you so much Simson Shilitoe for the lovely postcard and the chocolate, it's delicious! Looks like a fun read, I have also read Revolting Rhymes so I'm quite curious about this one :) Thanks for organizing the bookray hakkalina!

This was a funny little read :) I liked the way Roald Dahl made a little (or big) twist in the fairy tales, so it turns out quite different.. My favorites were probably the tortoise and the hare, oh and Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. And the drawings were great too! ^_^

Since it is a tiny book, I've sped throught it in no time at all. I had already read Dahl's Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts and this little book fits right in there. I enjoyed it a lot! Thanks for sharing it with me hakkalina! (Next participant has been contacted.)

As I seem to be unable to release this book from my 'virtual clutches' (ie: the new site won't let me make a proper release note, one of those small bugs they are working on ...), I've opted to let everybody know that the book is on its way to a new reader, this way! I hope it works! *Keeps fingers crossed.*

Journal Entry 15 by madmadge at Christchurch, Dorset United Kingdom on Wednesday, June 02, 2010

The book was waiting for me when I got home. Shouldn't take long to read. Thank you so much for including me in the ring.

Journal Entry 16 by madmadge at Christchurch, Dorset United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Such a fun book which is just what I need right now. I took my time reading all the amusing poems and loved every word. I had a jolly good chuckle over them all.

All the favourite old rhymes and fairy tales with a totally different slant - Hansel and Gretel, The Emporer's New Clothes, Aladdin and His Magic Lamp, The Tortoise and the Hare, etc. etc..........

My particular favourite was "A Little Nut Tree"

I had a little nut tree, Nothing would it bear. I searched in all its branches, But not a nut was there.

"Oh little tree," I begged, "Give me just a few." The little tree looked down at me And whispered, "Nuts to you."

Thanks so much for including me in the ring and I will post it off as soon as I have an address - I've got an envelope all ready to recycle.

Journal Entry 17 by madmadge at Christchurch, Dorset United Kingdom on Sunday, June 13, 2010

Going off to sunny Spain tomorrow! Just off to try to release it in the proper manner.

Journal Entry 18 by madmadge at Christchurch, Dorset United Kingdom on Sunday, June 13, 2010

What a hilarious read! I just *love* Roald Dahl and his wicked rhymes:-) I enjoyed all rhymes but I think my favourites were "Dick Whittington and His Cat", "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "Hansel and Gretel" (especially the comments about the Brothers Grimm!).

Many thanks Hakkalina for sharing this very funny jewel with us:-)

Journal Entry 21 by chich at Book Ring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Got this in the mail today -- the envelope had been ripped open but it was repackaged by the local post office--something they don't always do, so it was nice that the book arrived safely. Thank you for passing it on, chich, and hakkalina for the ring. This year I've read The Twits, Matilda and Fantastic Mr. Fox of Roald Dahl's already, so I am looking forward this this--looks so fun!

What with moving and all, I had forgotten to read this. Yesterday I read it all in one day--it was so much fun! I really enjoyed the Hare and the Tortoise, Hansel and Gretel, and The Emperor's New Clothes--and pretty much all of it. I love the way Roald Dahl uses wit and turns old stories inside out! I've got NMReader's address and will post in the next few days, as soon as I get down to the post office. :) Thanks for letting me participate in this ring! I thought this short one was cute:

A Hand in the Bird

I’m a maiden who is forty, And a maiden I shall stay. There are some who call me haughty, But I care not what they say.

I was running the tombola At our church bazaar today, And doing it with gusto In my usual, jolly way…

When suddenly, I knew not why, There came a funny feeling Of something crawling up my thigh! I nearly hit the ceiling!

A mouse! I thought. How foul! How mean! How exquisitely tickly! Quite soon I know I’m going to scream. I’ve got to catch it quickly.

I made a grab. I caught the mouse, Now right inside my knickers. A mouse my foot! It was a HAND! Great Scott! It was the vicar’s!

Journal Entry 24 by lils74 at -- BookRing, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Sunday, August 22, 2010

Released 4 yrs ago (8/22/2010 UTC) at -- BookRing, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed this out today to NMreader...hope it reaches you soon, and you enjoy what comes along with it!

Journal Entry 33 by prachitulshan at New Delhi, Delhi India on Friday, December 10, 2010

This book arrived safely nearly a month ago, and I stand guilty for neglecting it over examination prep and not journalling it. My deepest apologies. Shall read it and send it on its way to the next reader asap. Thank you for sharing, hakkalina, and thank you sfogs for sending it over so promptly. *sheepish, guilty expression*

Journal Entry 34 by prachitulshan at sent by post, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, April 24, 2011

Released 3 yrs ago (4/25/2011 UTC) at sent by post, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I'm so sorry for this really late JE! While giving exams, I managed to catch chilblains in the Delhi cold and was home in the new year getting diagnosed for other illnesses and treated. Been catching up with my backlog of late, and realized this wonderful lil book had been languishing on my bookshelf the last few months. I loved the rhymes...have read Revolting Rhymes earlier and this one was as enjoyable. Thanks for sharing! Dahl rocks! Sending this off to the next reader in line. Many apologies for the delay!

Wow it's from prachitulshan, my team mate in BC monopoly!! What a pleasant coincidence. Look forward to reading this, although lately my bookrings seem to pour in like avalanche, so while it's a thin book it has to wait a little.

Journal Entry 40 by gunmarga at ---- by post or by hand ----, Skåne Sweden on Monday, February 13, 2012

Thanks salvami. The book was in my mailbox today. I love Roald Dahl.

The book has traveled a lot. I had to write it down, back in the book. Hungary, Romania, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Spain, Bagmati Nepal, Virginia USA, Hawaii USA, New Zealand, India, Florida USA, Ireland, Sweden. Edit: The Romania-reader was in Germany when she read this book. Thanks to hear from you Oedde.